About the Cadet Program
A significant aspect
of the University Police Department’s
commitment to student involvement is the
Police Cadet Program. These bright and energetic
students play an intricate role in police
operations and crime prevention as well
as traffic control and parking enforcement.
The Cadet Program has been established to enable interested SJSU students to gain hands-on law enforcement experience within the police department and to function in a public safety capacity within the University community. In addition to receiving basic training, volunteer police cadets provide patrol services for the campus, and participate in numerous community service activities.
Benefits of the Cadet Program
College Internship Credits
Cadets may be eligible to earn college credits toward their major internship requirements. Students are asked to check with their academic advisors to determine if the Cadet Program is an acceptable internship program for their respective majors.
Training
Cadets receive a minimum of 80+ hours of basic training during their first semester within the Cadet Program. Cadets receive specialized monthly in-service training following their first semester within the Cadet Program. The Cadet Program also provides the opportunity for cadets to participate in training programs with full time police officers.
Experience
The goal of the Cadet Program is to provide students with valuable experience that would assist them in developing the skills necessary for achieving successful careers within the law enforcement profession, or other related field.
Building Professional Relationships
Cadets have the opportunity to interact with other members of local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Former cadets have been able to maintain strong friendships with each other following their graduation from San Jose State University. These friendships help build professional relationships between different law enforcement agencies. In the long run, such relationships have become a valuable tool in conducting efficient multi-jurisdictional investigations.
Basic Assignments & Duties
In addition to completing the required training, cadets perform various tasks and assignments, including, but not limited to:
- Providing patrol services for the University.
- Riding along and assisting police officers off-campus.
- Participating in crime prevention and community service projects.
- Writing police reports & assisting with criminal investigations.
- Participating in the management of the Cadet Program.
Application Requirements
- Must be between 18 – 23 years of age, at the time of application.
- Must be a matriculated, San Jose State University student enrolled in at least 6.0 units of coursework.
- Must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Must be of good, moral character.
- Must not have any felony convictions.
- Must have a valid, California, drivers license.
Application Process
Students interested in participating in the Cadet Program must complete and submit a San Jose State University Employment Application accompanied by a resume to the University Police Department Communications Center no later than Friday, September 1, 2006. Students may obtain an application at the University Police Department or may download an application from the SJSU Human Resources website at http://www.sjsu.edu/hr/forms/.
Testing and Selection Process
Written Examination: Applicants must complete and receive a passing score on this written examination which will evaluate applicant in the following areas: 1) Reading ability; 2) Writing ability; 3) Mathematics skills; 4) Observations skills; and 5) Problem-solving skills. The Written Examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 2, 2006. Applicants will be notified of the location upon receipt the application.
Physical Agility Examination: Applicants must display the ability to perform the following physical activities within a specific time limit:
- Run the distance of one mile.
- Climb over a 6-foot wall.
- Move a weighted object for a distance of 50-feet.
- Complete an obstacle course.
The Physical Agility Examination will take place immediately following the Written Examination.
Oral Board Interview: Applicants who pass the written and physical agility examination will be invited to participate in an oral board panel interview. Oral board interviews will be conducted starting on Tuesday, September 5, 2006.
All examination results will be forwarded to the Cadet Program Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will select the most qualified applicants to become candidates for the Fall 2006 Cadet Program Academy.
Background Investigation: Selected candidates will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation which will include, at minimum: 1) The completion of a Personal History Statement by the candidate; 2) A fingerprint & criminal history check; and 3) A background investigation interview.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Fall 2006 Basic Academy
Approved candidates who are selected to participate in the Cadet Program will be assigned to attend the UPD Cadet Program Basic Academy. The Cadet Program Basic Academy is a minimum 40+ hour training course in which cadet trainees are instructed on the basic skills necessary to perform their duties. The course consists of classroom instruction and hands-on scenario training. The Fall 2006 Cadet Program Basic Academy will take place:
Tuesdays and Thursday
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - Thursday, October 26, 2006.
Field Training Program
Cadet trainees who successfully complete the Basic Academy training program will be assigned to the Field Training Program in which they will learn to apply their training in the field. Cadet trainees are required to complete a minimum of 40+ hours of field training before being considered full members within the Cadet Program.
Overall Commitment Requirement
Cadet trainees who successfully complete the minimum training requirements will be promoted to Cadet and placed on a 6-month probationary period. The Cadet Program requires that all cadets complete a minimum of 12 hours of volunteer patrol every month. Cadets will also be required to complete a minimum of 4+ hours of specialized in-service training every third Saturday of each month.
For More Information
Contact Corporal Manuel Aguayo, Cadet Program Coordinator at 408-924-2168 or via e-mail at Manuel.Aguayo@sjsu.edu. |
